These baby proofing ideas are just what you need to make your house toddler safe.
Life is funny. You spend the first several months of a baby’s life begging them to learn how to walk.
Then they get past those first steps…and you start to wonder what we were thinking?!
You don’t even really understand how much baby proofing a house needs until you suddenly see it from the perspective of your toddler.
Those baby safety kids with their outlet covers and cabinet door locks make you feel like you’re ready…but it doesn’t take long to realize that’s just the beginning!
The Top Baby Proofing Ideas All Moms Need
I tried baby proofing my house, but they got in anyway. 😉
As a mom of six, I’ve picked up quite a few easy tricks for baby proofing your house.
Here are my favorites:
Doors Are Your Friend
This one is mostly a freebie…unless you feel compelled to add a couple of doors to your home.
Sometimes baby proofing is as simple as creating a new habit of keeping doors closed.
When we moved into our “new” house (a long time ago now), I was thrilled to find that both the kitchen AND the upstairs had doors!
Now I can keep that door closed whenever the toddler is toddling.
I’ve also found it easier to just keep the bathroom door closed and the toilet lid down. (ewwwww)
For spaces that lack a door, try a good baby gate. Check the ratings, because there’s nothing more frustrating (and potentially dangerous) than installing a gate only to find that it’s never really secured correctly.
This baby gate is affordable and has good reviews.
If your child channels those detective skills and learns how to open doors, you’ll want to invest in some simple door knob covers like these so they don’t play the escape artist.
Lever style door knobs are even easier for a toddler to figure out, so make sure you get these baby proof lever locks for any of those doors.
Sweep The Floor
I’m not just talking about using the vacuum cleaner regularly.
When you set a mobile baby down, you’ll want to look around for tiny objects that baby wants to explore with tiny fingers and their mouth.
Table Tops
Tables can be challenging for several reasons.
Sharp corners are targets for banged heads. These clear corner guards help.
Tables at just the right height are fun to climb on. You’ll have to decide if you want to remove those tables until your toddler grows a little more, or just spend some time teaching him over and over that climbing tables is a no-no.
(You might as well get used to that! You’ll spend the rest of his childhood repeating yourself over and over, and that’s just part of parenting.)
And those beautiful souvenirs or innocent cups of water sitting on a table are just begging to be thrown to the floor. Move them or train the toddler.
Toddler Safe Places
It’s important to have a safe place to put your mobile baby for those times when you have to make a phone call, empty the dishwasher, or (if you can find the time) actually use the bathroom.
If you have a room that is beautifully child proofed, like the child’s bedroom, you’ll appreciate it more times than you know.
Otherwise, a playpen is perfect. Even if she doesn’t love being in the pack and play, better safe than sorry.
Cords
You’ll want to make sure that cords of all types are out of reach of baby. We’re talking blinds, electronics, appliances, charging cords, etc.
Babies love to pull on them, chew on them, experiment with them, and it is just too easy for them to get hurt.
If you can’t totally remove it from their height, be sure to wind it up and secure it so that the baby can’t get tangled up in it.
When you have older kids with charging cords, this is an even bigger challenge. It’s important to constantly remind them not to leave their cords dangling where littles can reach.
A cord organizer like this might be just what you need to keep things up.
Anchor Everything
Dressers, tabletop televisions, bookshelves, and other furniture look like fun places to climb when you’re learning how to walk and move.
Anchor anything that your child might have access to, especially dressers and book cases in their bedrooms and regular living spaces.
Look for anchors made of strong parts like this one, and be sure to use the proper hardware that can withstand the weight of your furniture.
Toddler Safe Places
It’s important to have a safe place to put your mobile baby for those times when you have to make a phone call, empty the dishwasher, or (if you can find the time) actually use the bathroom.
If you have a room that is beautifully child proofed, like the child’s bedroom, you’ll appreciate it more times than you know.
Otherwise, a playpen is perfect. Even if she doesn’t love being in the pack and play, better safe than sorry.
The Biggest Change When It Comes To Baby Proofing Your Home Is You
For me, the hardest adjustment I had to make when my first baby started moving was with myself.
I had to learn to let go of the fact that rooms weren’t going to stay clean.
My organized Tupperware drawer wasn’t going to stay organized.
I couldn’t decorate the lower half of my Christmas tree unless I wanted the ornaments broken.
It can be hard to let go of your control.
Having a baby means an entire lifestyle change. It’s ok to miss the simple days when messes were easy to clean up and keep clean.
But be sure to look at everything your tiny one has learned to do all on his own. Be proud of their hard work, and yours, too! And look forward to all of the activities you have ahead of you.
Start these easy baby proofing ideas today.
Luckily, many child proofing tools are affordable, and planning ahead can make all the difference in keeping your toddler safe (while saving your sanity!).
What’s your best advice to a Mom who’s baby is newly mobile?
I'm Jamie, and I want to help you afford a beautiful life with your family. 
